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Lunch » Tags » Events » Reviews » War in Afghanistan

War in Afghanistan

3 Ratings: -0.7

An ongoing armed conflict which began on October 7, 2001, by the United States along with the United Kingdom in response to the September 11 attacks.

The War in Afghanistan is an ongoing armed conflict which began on October 7, 2001, as the US military's Operation Enduring Freedom that was launched, along with the British military, in response to the September 11 attacks. The UK has, since 2002, led … see full wiki

Tags: Events, Historical Events, Afghanistan, Wars

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Thirty Years Ago Today, Soviet Tanks Rolled Into Afghanistan

Dec 24, 2009

by coldsteel7

Rating:

On this Christmas Eve, 2009, I would like to take a few minutes out of my day to thank the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. War is never a pretty thing, and is not something I intend to delve deeply into here. I simply want to acknowledge the personal sacrifice of our men and women in the military who are separated from their familiess over this Christmas.

It was thirty years ago today that the 40th Army of the USSR entered Afghanistan on a mission that would last nearly a decade and cost countless lives.

I believe that History is a good teacher. That does not mean that I disagree with the war, because I don't. If you look at the mess the Soviets AND the United States left Afghanistan in after the Soviet withdrawal in 1988, it is apparent that opportunities for stabilizing the situation were missed. I do not take a pessimistic view of life, and believe that we have an opportunity to give a helping hand to the Afghani people so that they can establish their own govenrment free of tyranny. Hopefully our leadership will recognize the importance of stabilizing the region before embracing time-tables or other measures that are not tied to ensuring the stability of this country before we leave. In a sense, we owe it to them.

\Who would have believe that the Iraqi's would hammer out their own government and instill leadership that was not necessarily pro-American (a sign that they decided to take control of their own fate). It may be fifty years before the region is stable, but promising signs like children going back to school and citizens showing up to vote indicate that maybe the tide can turn. The elections in Afghanistan were marred by corruption and may seem invalid to many of the Afghani people. Heck, we can't even get elections right here in the United States. I hope that the people don't lose faith and hold on to whatever hope there is in the slow progress of change. Many of us Americans stand here behind them. Whenever I see a school opened or a water treatment plant built, it is a sign that we are committed to helping and that maybe we can get the people to take control of their own destiny. Maybe I am just a dreamer living in a fantasy land. But as a Marine Corps veteran, I am proud of my service and the commitment that my country has always maintained to giving aid to other countries.

Before the Marshall Plan, what country devoted itself to rebuliding conquered nations without occupation or Imperialistic goals? None come directly to mind. It is what sets the United States apart from every other country. Our commitment. It seems in our microwave world we have lost the patience and resolve that our ancestors, the "Greatest Generation" had. I hope that we can put away our need for instant gratification and see this thing through to the finish.

In the interim, let us take this time to meditate and/or say a silent prayer for those who have pledge their allegiance to upholding the Constitution of the United States. For those who have taken with that oath, the responsiblity for putting their Country before their own families. They are men and women who have loving families who miss them, too.

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woopak_the_thrill December 25, 2009

nicely done. A friend (of a friend) of mine is still in Iraq, he re-enlisted and is missing his family right now. Thanks for sharing stuff like this. we do need to honor those who serve.

coldsteel7 December 25, 2009

Thanks for commenting. My brother has done two tours (bronze star and purple heart) and is up for another before too long. I finished my time after the first war. I gave eleven years of my life...that was enough. My bro is a lifer.

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